India is one of the largest suppliers of Basmati rice. The Basmati rice’s unique aroma and long grains distinguish it from other types of rice. If you are considering doing Basmati rice export business after 2025 then you have to know the latest market trends, international buyers, suppliers, and trade rules. This blog provides a step-by-step guide on exporting Basmati rice from India, along with key insights from International import export data providers.
Indian Basmati Rice Export Overview (2024-25)
According to import export data provider, India exported 4.5 million metric tons (MMT) of Basmati rice in 2023-24, worth approximately $5 billion. The demand for Indian Basmati rice remains high in Middle Eastern, European, and North American markets.
Top Basmati Rice Products Exported from India
- Non-parboiled Basmati rice (most popular)
- Parboiled Basmati rice
- Organic Basmati rice
- Brown Basmati rice
- Steam Basmati rice
Top 5 Countries Importing Basmati Rice from India
Based on import export data providers, the top destinations for Indian Basmati rice in 2023-24 were:
| Rank | Country | Share in Exports (%) |
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 25% |
| 2 | Iran | 20% |
| 3 | Iraq | 15% |
| 4 | UAE | 12% |
| 5 | USA | 8% |
Other key markets include Kuwait, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Top 5 Buyers & Suppliers of Basmati Rice
Top Buyers (Importers) of Indian Basmati Rice
- Almunajem Foods (Saudi Arabia)
- Al Kabeer Group (UAE)
- Al Ghurair Foods (UAE)
- KRBL Limited (Middle East & USA)
- Amira Nature Foods (Global)
Top Suppliers (Exporters) from India
- KRBL Limited (India Gate, Doon Basmati)
- LT Foods (Daawat, Royal)
- Amira Nature Foods (Amira Basmati)
- Kohinoor Foods Ltd.
- Satyam Balaji Foods
Top Export/Import Companies in India
Leading Basmati Rice Exporters in India
- KRBL Ltd.
- LT Foods Ltd.
- Amira Pure Foods
- Chaman Lal Setia Exports
- Kohinoor Foods Ltd.
Key Importers (Global Buyers)
- Almunajem Foods (Saudi Arabia)
- Al Kabeer Group (UAE)
- Ebro Foods (Spain)
- Mars Inc. (USA)
- Tilda Ltd. (UK)
Global Trade Issues Affecting Basmati Rice Exports
- Export Restrictions & Minimum Export Price (MEP): India sometimes imposes MEP to stabilize domestic prices.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Sanctions on Iran and Iraq can impact trade.
- Quality & Pesticide Residue Issues: EU and Saudi Arabia have strict pesticide norms.
- Logistics & Shipping Costs: Rising freight charges can affect profitability.
- Competition from Pakistan: Pakistan is a key competitor in Basmati exports.
HSN Code for Basmati Rice
The Harmonized System Nomenclature (HSN) code for Basmati rice is:
- 1006 30 10 (Basmati Rice)
- 1006 30 90 (Other Aromatic Rice)
This code is essential for customs clearance and GST compliance.
Steps to Export Basmati Rice from India (2025 Guide)
Step 1: Obtain Necessary Licenses
- IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT
- FSSAI License (Food Safety Compliance)
- APEDA Registration (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)
Step 2: Find Buyers & Negotiate Contracts
- Use global import export data providers to identify buyers.
- Attend trade fairs like Gulfood, ANUGA, or India Foodex.
Step 3: Quality Testing & Certification
- Ensure compliance with EU, Saudi FDA, or USFDA standards.
- Get Phytosanitary Certificate for pesticide compliance.
Step 4: Logistics & Shipping
- Choose between FOB (Free on Board) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) terms.
- Work with reliable freight forwarders.
Step 5: Customs Clearance & Documentation
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Certificate of Origin
Conclusion
India rice export in 2025 involves gaining knowledge about the market, global standards for exporters, and using import export data to find buyers. By following regulations, maintaining quality, and partnering with reliable import export trade data providers, exporters can tap into the growing global demand for Indian Basmati rice.
Q1. What makes Basmati rice different from regular rice?
Basmati rice is prized for its distinctive aroma, long slender grains (minimum 6.61 mm length after cooking), and fluffy texture. It has a unique nutty flavor due to the presence of a chemical compound called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, which occurs naturally in Basmati at about 0.09 ppm compared to just 0.01 ppm in regular rice.
Q2. Which Indian states produce the most Basmati rice?
The top Basmati-producing states are:
- Punjab (accounts for ~40% of production)
- Haryana (~30%)
- Western Uttar Pradesh (~20%)
- Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir (remaining 10%)
These regions benefit from the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains and ideal climatic conditions.
Q3. What are the different grades of Basmati rice?
Basmati is classified by grain length and purity:
- Premium/Extra Long Grain (7.5+ mm length)
- Standard Long Grain (6.5-7.5 mm)
- Short Grain (below 6.5 mm)
Purity Grades: Traditional (100% Basmati), Blended (mixed with non-Basmati varieties)
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